Learn more about the studio private lesson program.
General Information
The private lesson program runs year-round and offers violin and voice lessons to students of all ages and ability levels; including adult learners, beginners and advanced students looking to continue their studies at university.
Lessons take place in a 1:1 setting and are scheduled on a reoccurring weekly basis ranging from 30, 45, 60 and 90 minutes in length.
For advanced students, and those preparing for auditions or high-level exams, I offer the option of twice weekly lessons.
I am set up for both in-person and online classes via Skype and Zoom and work virtually with students throughout Canada and internationally.
All students enrolled in the private lesson program are welcome and encouraged to take part in the various performance program events running throughout the academic year.
I understand that finding the right teacher is an extremely personal process, and that my teaching style may not be the best fit for every student. To that end, I always encourage all prospective students to take a thirty-minute trial lesson prior to registering for ongoing weekly lessons.
You can read about studio attendance polices here and find current lesson rates here.
“We approached Carmen to teach our daughter Lauryn to play violin. She had an enjoyable experience at music camp, and we were anxious to find a teacher that would develop Lauryn’s skillset while keeping her engaged and excited about practising. Carmen has formed a close relationship with Lauryn who both respects her as a teacher and enjoys their time together. We are so happy that Lauryn has developed a positive attitude toward practising and learning the violin. She has followed a prescribed course in repertoire, which Carmen happily supplemented with Lauryn’s interests. It is a credit to Carmen’s skill in pedagogy, and her commitment as a teacher, that Lauryn eagerly looks forward to returning to her lesson every week.”
Violin Lessons
I enjoy working with students of all ages and ability levels from beginner to adult, and prepare students for Royal Conservatory of Music Exams, festivals, auditions, and to play for their own enjoyment.
I do not teach exclusively from one particular curriculum; but draw on a wide range of materials and resources to tailor lessons to fit an individual student’s needs and goals.
I place a technical emphasis on sound quality, phrasing, musical interpretation, right and left hand technique and cover basic music theory and ear training. I also encourage students to develop analytical and problem solving skills to facilitate self-awareness in their learning and independence in their playing.
While I am comfortable stepping slightly outside the classical repertoire, I primarily teach classical violin.
“Carmen is professional, friendly and communicates well with parents. My daughter has been progressing very well and passing examinations one by another. In addition, I have also noticed how much Carmen has had an influence on her: her confidence on stage, her overall interest and sensitivity towards music, and of course, her eagerness to play violin well.”
Vocal Lessons
I enjoy working with students of all ages and ability levels including young people and adults, and prepare students for auditions, performances and to sing for their own enjoyment.
I specialize in pop/folk, jazz and musical theatre style singing with a technical emphasis on colour, tone, placement, phrasing, interpretation and stage delivery. I also cover note reading and basic music theory.
I do not teach exclusively from one curriculum, but work with students to craft lessons to fit their individual needs and goals.
“Carmen is wonderful with my daughter. She actually teaches her vocal lessons and is exceptional at it. My daughter enjoys her classes immensely, and her singing confidence has really improved.”
Young Children
In general, I recommend weekly or twice weekly half hour lessons for young children who are just beginning the instrument.
I welcome and encourage the parents of children under the age of seven to sit in on lessons in order to help reinforce practice and posture habits at home. I am also happy to discuss student progress with parents at any time.
I typically do not teach students younger than six years of age, however, I do welcome inquires from parents, and will work with children under six on a case-by-case basis.
“I have observed my daughter progress tremendously under Carmen’s guidance. Carmen is very creative and kind when teaching little ones. She has a full knowledge of their needs, and knows how to stimulate them to pay attention and get involved to the lesson. My little one now also plays in her school music program, and I was so proud when the schoolteacher told me that my daughter is very talented at playing violin. We thank Carmen for bringing up our daughter’s talent.”
Adult Learners
I love working with adult learners, in-fact, they are some of my favourite students to teach!
I understand it can be difficult and intimidating to learn a completely new skill set after mastering so many other areas of career and life.
I realize that adult learners are not looking to become career musicians - they simply want to learn for their own enjoyment. To that end, I structure the pace, repertoire, and style of lessons to best fit the goals and comfort level of my adult students.
“Carmen is an amazing teacher. She shows passion and patience in her teaching. Being an adult learner I was nervous to go and start having lessons with no musical background, but Carmen was very encouraging and great at setting the pace of lessons, giving me relevant feedback, and allowing me to make choices regarding many aspects of my lessons. She is amazing at identifying my learning style, and takes the time to explain difficult concepts until I am able to understand them. I always look forward to my lessons with her.”
